Hi!
Not sure I follow or agree. The SME will provide the content, but someone familiar with developing the class and the format of the online environment will be needed.
I think I'm stuck on the use of the term 'technological wizards'.
I still consider myself a tech wizard in my area that I'm an SME. but to translate my delivered material into the online platform would be difficult for me.
And I bet there are a few people that create the online content based on my delivered material that still have flashing VCRs!
-- Matt
Matt,
There are times when technological wizards could not create the class that we as subject matter experts can!
Shelly Crider
Andre,
There must be a team effort, indeed.
Shelly Crider
How are we defining 'technological wizards'??
For example, I find my self very proficient in my area of expertise, and when I write material for my online classes, I have my course designers tell me the find it very interesting to ready and implement. So this to me means I am a wizard in my field and the course designers are not.
But in the same vein, I could not create the same class content that the designers do.
People are tasks to do various jobs, and in that sense they must be technologically proficient at what they are working on, but not a wizard.
-- Matt
To develop any type of online course, the "writers", per se, should be subject matter experts. They should then consult with an instructional professional to achieve the desired learning outcomes. Ultimately, a team of persons well versed in putting together websites or online pages would be needed. "Team effort" ~ just like any other industry if things are to be successful.
No, I don't think so. I do believe that they need a powerful staff of people that specialize in specific fields of expertise. Together a collaberation of minds and "know how" exist.
Amy,
We as instructors must be able to help the students with their issues.
Shelly Crider
I do not believe that online course designers need to be technological wizards, however I do believe that they must be somewhat savvy to the extent that they are familiar with the abilities and limits for their online learning platforms. If the designer does not know the capabilities and limitations of the learning management system they are working with they can not adequately design for the online classroom.
Douglas,
Make sure your "gifted" friends let you know how things work in case students have issues along the way as well.
Shelly Crider
I believe you do have to have some technological expertise to complete the course by yourself. If you don't have the experience then you will have to have others who are technologically "gifted" assist you with the intricate parts.
I agree that online course developers do not have to be technical experts. I think as online tools continue to improve over time, that statement becomes increasing true. However, I do think it's helpful to have at least a basic understanding of the development tools being used to create the online course. That knowledge is particularly helpful when problems inevitably occur. Having good support is also extremely important to success.
I agree that developers of online courses do not have to be technological wizards. The designing of a course can be time consuming, but not as difficult as some instuctors think. I think it takes being detailed, open to critism, and a basic understanding of how to build a course. As onlong as you have acess to a subject matter expert, a person can do it.
june,
Online instructors do need to know how to explain something to their students.
Shelly Crider
Developers of online courses may not have to be wizzards, but they do have to be on top of the the ever changing digital world, so that our student's have access to the cutting edge tools and technology.
Agree,
Although they do not have to be wizards, they must understand technology.
A good course design is completed when the developer of the course truly understands not only the content but how to develope that content into multimedia. Thus, the course, students, and instructors are better served when technology is used at its best.
Deborah,
I think that will be a wonderul class and I am sure my son will want to be one of the first there! He loves history and sports!
Shelly Crider
It is my dream some day to develop the online course-"African American History through Sports". I hope to teach a college-level course which utilizes historical events and major sports figures to define certain periods of our country's development. I have already used certain websites and multimedia to teach AA history and have also questioned my student's enthusiasm abou the idea. The response was fantastic! Now all I need to do is hone my technical skills and I am in business!!
David,
Thank you for mentioning desire to create something useful. So many times we see websites that have been thrown together and the desire or making something nice is questionable.
Shelly Crider
I believe that at one time the answer to this question was a definite yes, but that it is changing. What is more important is the interest and desire to create something useful.
New tools and the simplification of LMS' have enabled those with less technological sophistication to create quality online courses.
Dave Rakowski
Marjorie,
Students love the extra experience even if they do not think so when given the assignment.
Shelly Crider
